Car Review
Review: The 2024 BMW i4 M50 Gran Coupe is a supercar in an electric sedan suit
BMW’s trademark sedan excellence is given a high-voltage shot in the arm.
Jason Bell | January 16, 2025
Discussed in this article
Full disclosure: We didn’t have much time with the 2024 BMW i4 M50 Gran Coupe. But this ultimate driving machine didn’t need long to leave a deep impression.
This super sedan wonderfully weaves the brand’s hallmark driving dynamics with cutting-edge electric vehicle technology. As BMW’s first fully electric M Performance model, the i4 M50 delivers thrills, practicality and luxury — and it’s a blast to live with every day.
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The driving experience is a balance of performance and precision
The i4 M50 is powered by dual electric motors that deliver a beastly 536 horsepower and 586 pound-feet of torque, enabling it to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 3.3 seconds. While all electric cars have decent power, the smooth, resistance-free torque in the i4 M50 is addictive and loads of fun, whether merging into traffic or hustling up a canyon road.
Like other BMWs, the engineers ensured this electric super coupe retains its classic, expertly tuned and refined driving feel. The adaptive suspension provides sharp handling, while the low center of gravity makes cornering confident and planted. There are different suspension settings, but Comfort mode is the best for daily driving. The ride was still slightly on the firmer side but compliant enough that you’re not bothered on most roads.
Photo credit: BMW USA News
Enthusiasts will appreciate the rear-wheel drive-biased all-wheel-drive system, which provides a pretty engaging driving experience, even on shorter trips around town. While this EV doesn’t have the sweet inline 6-cylinder motors available on other BMWs, it does its best to make some sounds that contribute to a pretty cool, if artificial, auditory thrill.
The range is OK, but charging is excellent
The i4 M50 has an estimated range of 270 miles, which is decent. However, it will probably require frequent charging, as our real-world testing range was significantly less than that. This is especially true if you only charge 80% of its capacity and use air conditioning, heat, etc. Its addictive power compounds the range issue, so it’ll likely need to be charged every night or so.
However, charging is competitive thanks to its 200 kW DC fast-charging capabilities, which can add up to 108 miles in just 10 minutes in ideal conditions. In addition, the Level 2 onboard charger can charge the battery from 0 to 100% in less than eight hours. Not bad.
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Photo credit: BMW USA News
The interior is sporty, luxurious and comfortable
We love BMW cabins. The smell, materials and seats are always top-notch to look at and touch. It’s a wonderful place to spend time and feels high quality, especially the thick, leather-wrapped steering wheel.
A large, curved display incorporates a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a 14.9-inch infotainment screen powered by BMW’s iDrive 8 system. It’s a good system, but boy are there a lot of menus. There’s a lot of information and customization available, but if we’re honest, we missed the analog BMW gauges from yesteryear.
Storage and cargo space are also decent for this Gran Coupe. There is enough room for four adults, but rear seat occupants won’t have a lot of head space if they are taller than the average adult.
It’s a usable, fun and efficient daily driver
As a daily driver, the i4 M50 shines with its mix of comfort, luxury and performance. It can be nearly silent when you want it to be, which is especially nice after a long day at work. It also boasts excellent visibility and incorporates all the modern driver assistance features to help make commuting as stress-free as possible.
Photo credit: BMW USA News
It’s also a lot of fun and has more power than you need on a daily basis. If you have access to home charging, this BMW checks a lot of boxes for a compelling daily driver.
Pros and cons
Pros
Strong performance: This almost feels like an electric version of the M4. The acceleration is thrilling and the handling is engaging and lively.
Luxurious interior: There are a lot of premium materials and advanced tech.
Fast charging: 200 kW minimizes downtime, whether at home or on the go.
Everyday practicality: There is enough room and features to make this an excellent all-around car.
Customizable driving experience: There are several adjustable and customizable modes for comfort, sportiness, etc.
Cons
Firm ride: This can be the case on some roads, even in the Comfort setting.
Range limitations: You’ll probably have less than 200 miles of range in the real world.
Cramped rear-seat headroom.
It’s heavy: All the engineering wizardry in the world can’t entirely mask this beast’s 5,000-pound heft.
Pricey options: Our tester started at just under $70,000; with options, it totaled nearly $88,000.
Photo credit: BMW USA News
Verdict: The electric performance sweet spot
There are a lot of EVs that drive more like an iPad on wheels than they do an actual vehicle. The BMW i4 M50 is not one of those. It looks like a regular 4 series BMW and handles like one, too. The only difference is that it has electric motors instead of an internal combustion engine.
If you like that and have access to home charging, the i4 M50 makes a strong case to be your daily driver. It offers an impressive blend of luxury, performance and true-to-its-roots BMW engineering and design. However, some might find its firm ride, limited range and higher price tag to be deal breakers, especially if you prioritize comfort or long-distance travel.
For enthusiasts and commuters alike, the i4 M50 is a stylish and exhilarating daily driver. As the brand continues to develop its electric models, the i4 M50 is a sign of the good things to come. If you can live with a few compromises, the 2024 BMW i4 M50 is one of the best premium performance EVs in its class.
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*KSL Cars does not endorse any vehicles. The views or opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer and do not reflect the views or opinions of KSL.com or its employees.
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